Economist on how downgrade will affect France

The transcript discusses President Nicolas Sarkozy's emphasis on maintaining France's Triple A credit rating as a symbol of his successful economic policy. However, Standard & Poor's decision to downgrade France challenges this narrative, highlighting insufficient fiscal stabilization efforts and inadequate solutions to the Eurozone crisis. The downgrade reflects a gradual decline in France's economic standing, raising questions about future ratings.

What did President Sarkozy consider as a mark of his successful policies?

• France's military strength

• France's technological advancements

• France's triple A credit rating

• France's cultural influence

What was the impact of France's credit rating downgrade on Sarkozy's political standing?

• It negatively affected his economic record

• It had no impact

• It improved his popularity

• It strengthened his position

Why did Standard & Poor's decide to downgrade France's credit rating?

• Due to strong fiscal policies

• Due to successful crisis management

• Because of a booming economy

• Because of insufficient budgetary stabilization efforts

What was the anticipated credit rating of France before the official downgrade?

• Triple A

• Single A

• Triple B

• Double A

What is the main question regarding France's future credit rating?

• Whether France will maintain its current rating

• Whether France will adopt a new currency

• Whether France will be downgraded further

• Whether France will improve to a triple A rating